Gavin

Very nice!

Sounds like Bozeangeles is out...Might check out some of your options around Red Lodge..the Beartooths and the Stillwater River are just west of there. Tom Hargrove @ Hargrove's Fly Shop in St. Louis would be a good one to ask about that area.

Got an email back from John Ackerson...fish numbers are down this year due to the drought and decreased stocking.The river received 8,500 brown trout per year between 2003-2006. Problems at the hatchery led to decreased stockings of brown trout in the 2007-2011 time frame, 5,600 brown trout per year. 6,200 brown trout were stocked in 2012.It was nutso good in the 2008-2010 time frame. Most likely due to the 2003-2006 stockings. Most of those fish are probably crawdad food by now due to old age.He said fish counts are averaging 310 per mile right know but it has been much higher in previous years. As for size structure, 43%>15", 12%>18" with good survival in the 2012 year class (look for an adiopose fin clip). They only sampled from the park to Baptist this year due to low water, with some fish in the low 20's in the mix...4 20", 3 21", a 22" and a 23". Kinda low numbers of big fish for the most productive water on that creek, IMO. It also corresponds with the upper end of what we have been catching for the last two years. I havent seen a legit report of a fish over 24" since I saw my buddy Kip land a 24.5" fish on Thanksgiving weekend in 2010. We both spend at least 15-20 days a year down there and we both agree that its taking allot more effort to round up a 20" fish. Pray for rain and better results at the hatchery.

Great deer! Good for you!

I agree with Al. The fishing between 2008-2010 was nutso good. We seem to be on a down cycle though. I sent an inquiry to the biologist. Will see what he has to say in regard to fish numbers and size structure.

Good for you. Think I recognize that spot.....I gotta get out of here.

Thanks for the reports Corey. Been stuck in town out of the action too long. Hoping to get out late next week. Nice looking jigs Scott. Think I found a new source for Kruger style deer hair jig hooks...with a good hook. We shall see when they arrive.

Think April of 2011 was the last big flood....one before that was in 2008.

I've been fishing there for over 30 years....and often since I moved back to Missouri in 1992. The fishing has always been cyclical. We've had two low water years in a row and the fishing has gone downhill, IMO. Its still better than it was back in the 3 fish over 15" limit minnows legal days, but I think were gonna have to lower our expectations until we get a couple years of good flow in that creek. I'd like to see what the biologist have to say, but the numbers and size structure seems to be down from what it was two years ago.

Wire guards are the best, but open hooks work too...If you are stuck with a fiber (fish guard) jig...you can thin it by pulling strands but do not cut it...makes it stiffer...or pull it completely and at a plastic Y guard...or a V guard...old guitar strings make a nice weedguard.

All of those prepared baits are very effective...So its not your bait, its your method. Hatchery trout dont usually hug bottom in ponds...They tend to cruise up in the water column. Fish too deep and they will never find your bait. Buy a couple of bobbers next time your at wally world...Start about 2' deep and adjust from there...a smaller hook would be a good idea too. Good luck.

I hate flouro on spin rigs. I usually fish braid with a leader, straight mono, or mono with a leader for spooky fish. A triple surgeons knot makes for a quick connection if you dont have a lure tied on. Uni to Uni if you already have a lure on one end of the leader and you dont want to retie both. Both knots will break at the knot when snagged, but I've never had an issue with a fish on. Fly rod tippet is usually more consistent and truer to the actual diameter on the package (but more expensive). Just depends on what your fishing...Jerkbaits & Jigs 8-12lb spooled flouro most of the time, Maybe some 0-3x flouro tippet if I'm not getting any love. Jig or fly under a float (or cheese bait when kiddo fishing)..the fish run small so 5-7x fly rod tippet is adequate. Use a reel with decent drag and adjust it properly. Have fun.

Sounds like you had a good time. Might try some of the synthetic hair & flash materials to replace the peacock herl. Angel Hair, Puglisi Fibers, etc...most likely a mix of both. Medium Light is a good choice for jerkbaits, but I like medium better for jigs.

Nice bow...at the falls no less. Interesting looking boat...what is it?

Grey's makes some long light line rods...or maybe a Sage One. I like my 10' 5wt Z-Axis alot, but the 10' 4wt Z-Axis would be a better midge rod. Good luck with your search.

Sounds like a great time and awesome write up! Great stretch to float...but no firewood unless you bring a saw...

I really like the tube when fish are inactive. Toss it, sink it, and keep minimal line tension. Weigh it occassionally. Not a good way to cover water, but productive at times.

Like the double weed. But I'd rather have a Mr. Mitch.

Missed this one earlier...Great fish! Well colored and some fantastic red spots.

Try the #6's...good hook..and adust with some suspendots, lead wire. Maybe pop the mid hook off, then and add a dot or two. Not a bad bait.

Sounds like a job for an auto body shop...maybe some Imron with a flex agent.

Spent the weekend family camping down at Montauk. Not much time to fish...but some friends and me made it out to fish above Tan Vat for a couple hours at dusk on Saturday. Low, clear, and tons of moss on the bottom & floating in the water. Tough fishing. Morning bite might have been better. Nothing seemed to be hatching mid-day. Good Luck.

Looks like a great time!

As Al said...Morning, Evening, or after dark when the water is clear. A rainy day or overcast with some murk in the water is usually your best bet for daytime streamer fishing...Sculpins, large minnows, and crawfish are big fish food. Bluebird & windy is almost always tough. Choose accourdingly.

Missouri DNR has a publication called "Springs of Missouri"...its available online.